Movie Review: Sex And The City

Sex And The City - The Movie.

This may sound not too manly, but I used to enjoy watching the original Sex And The City on HBO. It was one of those you’d watch because everyone was talking about it anyway. The show’s run of six seasons was long enough that you’d still remember the little details four years after their final season.

I wasn’t exactly super–excited about the movie continuation but my sister got me intrigued enough as she watched it the day it opened in local theaters. Hana was okay with it, so we watched it.

The film’s story would’ve been better told if they had another season for TV instead of adapting it for the big screen. With approximately just two hours for an engaging narrative, it was never gonna be as good as the original. Though the characters were still true to their small–screen persona, this time it’s mostly about Carrie Bradshaw and the ever–mysterious Mr. Big. And a bit of the others.

I’m doubtful the movie would appeal to all first–timers in the world of Sex And The City, but Hana enjoyed it nonetheless. I only wish the local distributor and film classification board did a better job at cutting away what they consider were too graphic scenes, or better yet, they should’ve left the film as the directors intended even if it meant the dreaded R–18 rating. Teenage girls aren’t the film’s target audience anyway.

Oh yes, some scenes may get you teary–eyed if you’ve been watching the four women’s lives intently for the past few seasons or so. 😉

Prenup: Mervin & Bebbet

Mervin and Bebbet were my officemates in my last 8–to–5 job. When I started shooting with a digital SLR, these two were willing models who would rarely pass on the chance to smile for the camera. We were all just a bunch of friends who had lots of fun at the office.

Mervin & Bebbet [1]

Mervin & Bebbet [2]

When they heard about my frequent driver/assistant/backup photographer gigs shooting weddings with Mimi and Karl around Manila, they were quick to suggest that with my exposure to wedding photography, I should shoot their own weddings. Mervs and Bebbet were among those who seriously considered the idea, me shooting their weddings, when that time finally comes. I gave them my word. They both had uniquely–storied separate lives then, especially when it comes to the love and romance part.

Mervin & Bebbet [3]

Mervin & Bebbet [4]

I was a witness the first time Mervs tried to win Bebbet’s heart. I was very close to both of them then since Mervs was my teammate and seatmate (and mp3–sharing buddy), while Bebbet was one of a handful in the office who spoke Cebuano just like me. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the right time for love for both of them, yet.

They remained close friends, and for months it seemed to be just that. And then one day, the girl had to leave for the US because of work — for a year. Their friends, us, saw something we couldn’t explain, something they wouldn’t discuss anyway. They were just the best of friends and nothing more, they’d tell us. But it was like magic or something like that.

Mervin & Bebbet [5]

A month after she left and hours of lengthy (and expensive) international phone calls, they were together. Officially this time, though they were physically in opposing ends of the globe.

But we just knew how madly in love they were.

Mervin & Bebbet [6]

A few months later, they were engaged. God really works wonders; consider how it didn’t happen while they were still both in Manila but He entwined their hearts when they were already oceans and mountains apart.

Mervin & Bebbet [7]

So here I am now, I will be shooting the wedding of two of my friends. Good thing for me, I only have to do it once to honor two wedding shoots I promised. 😉

(Prenup photos shot at MMLDC in Antipolo.)

iBlog4 Portraits

I barely made it to iBlog4, I got in just enough to consider myself an attendee, which makes me one of not too many bloggers who’ve been in all the iBlog summits. It is nice to know we Filipino bloggers have come this far.

At the afterparty, I took some portraits of fellow bloggers I managed to convince for a shot. My favorites: AJ, Shari, Peter, Pierre, and Kring. The complete set is in my photo gallery, and you can also view it as a slideshow.

AJ

Shari

Peter

Pierre

Kring

Congrats to Janette for another successful iBlog!